Diana Varakina reports on her new job as the first Co-op Member Pioneer for the Wanstead and South Woodford area, a position she believes can improve our wellbeing and build community resilience My name is Diana, I moved to Wanstead two years ago. Right from the start, I loved the area, from the vibrant High Street to the local swans, the neighbourly and community feel, the green open spaces and Epping Forest. After lockdown started, and with more time on my hands, I wanted to help during the pandemic. I found that Co-op was actively looking to employ people to support their local community. I applied, was selected and am now excited to be the very first Co-op Member Pioneer for the Wanstead and South Woodford area. Co-op values and principles resonate strongly with me. People over profit, contribution, self-responsibility, democracy, equality and solidarity –...

No one can fail to have noticed something happening on the traffic island between The George pub and Wanstead Station. The strings of bunting make it look a bit like a village fete. Hardly likely! This is the final stage of a project Wanstead Community Gardeners have had in mind for some time.    Three years ago, we took over the wider empty part of this patch with the idea of planting wild flowers there. We had a degree of success, but problems with couch grass and ivy threatened to overwhelm the area. Also, the concrete-like soil didn’t help. Last year, our councillors advised us to apply for a council grant for help with this difficult patch. We were successful but there were complications. The real game changer came when the council cut down the shrubs which filled the long neck of the traffic island...

Woodford Town FC’s return to the local area has been delayed by lockdown.

An annual cake sale in aid of Haven House Children’s Hospice raised £21,695 in June, enough to pay for more than two days of care at the Woodford Green charity.

The Woodford and District branch of the National Trust has announced its new programme of talks, which are set to resume in October.

Wanstead travel agent Darrell James Travel will relaunch this month as a chocolate and gift shop, in addition to travel planning services.

£5 from every sale goes to local good causes

A network of foodbank collection points at 34 homes across Aldersbrook, Wanstead and South Woodford have collectively received over 10 tonnes of donations since the initiative was launched at the end of April.

A member of the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society is taking part in the nationwide Portraits of Togetherness initiative to offer free photo shoots for NHS staff, key workers or local heroes.

The Wanstead Society has waived this year’s renewal fees for its members, encouraging them to spend the money in local shops.

A flower bed on the path that connects Cambridge Park to Draycot Road has been given a new lease of life

Local resident Gracie Wolstenholme has set up a YouTube channel to offer an insight into living with cerebral palsy.